Intro to Creeking

Making the move from running rivers to Creeking should not be daunting! It is all about learning new skills well within your comfort zone. By developing our understanding and being able to implement skills as efficient forward paddling, water awareness and timing of a stroke, will help us immensely when we move onto steeper terrain.

Our Introduction to Creeking course is designed for Class III kayakers. We will set you up with a great foundation of skills, knowledge and experience which will put you on the path to running steeper rivers, rapids and drops confidently and in control.

Creeking Course details

Breaking in and out

Breaking in and out of the river is a basic manoeuvre that we have learned when we first went kayaking on a river. However we now want to improve our eddy skills to enable us to nail that small eddy above the next drop or to use the current to help us accelerate out of an eddy thus giving us the speed to concentrate on our main stroke and timing.

Looking ahead, reading and predicting river features

The more understanding of steeper whitewater we have, the easier it becomes to put in the correct technique, with a positive body position thus helping us to stay on the line and be ready for the next move or challenge. We will be looking at just what happens to the current when a rock hinders the way, the type of technique to use and how we can use these features to help us navigate our way safely down the river/creek and with a whole lot of fun for instance such as catching air.

Scouting

By scouting it is not just important to see where we need to go but as we start our journey into reading and understanding the dynamics of whitewater, it will help us to plan our line and be one step ahead when we reach that certain point on the rapid or feature.

Safety and Group Dynamics

Understanding group dynamics and slowing everything down at first will give us a great insight into how we would run a creek with a group of friends and of course the more controlled and organised the group is, the safer the descent will be. Thus limiting those critical situations and lowering the chances of having a real nightmare situation.

Portaging

Portaging rapids associated with steeper terrain will also be covered. Here in this part of the Alps our creeks have very steep banks so having the knowledge of lining boats, setting up hand rails and secure foot placement while carrying a kayak is extremely important. Sometimes just getting to and from the river can require some exposed terrain.

Equipment

Equipment related to creeking and its pros and cons with relation to our kayaking skill and future intentions will also be covered throughout the course. Also anyone who comes on our courses will receive a PEAK UK discount voucher.

Practicalities

Instructors / Coaches

All of our coaches / instructors are fully qualified through British Canoeing. They have a wealth of experience not only here in Austria but around the world. Our instructors / coaches will tailor the course so that you learn at your own pace while your kayaking skills will progress extremely fast.

Experience Required

You should have experience of kayaking class III whitewater and though your roll does not need to be solid, you should be making at least 2 - 3 attempts to roll back up. We will be kayaking for around 4 - 5 hours a day, so though you do not need to be an Olympic Athlete you should have a certain amount of paddle fitness or stamina.

Group Composition

Our ratio for the Creeking Course is 1:4. We will not take more than 8 clients (2 coaches with 5 or more clients) on this course and our courses are guaranteed to run with the minimum of 2 clients. This gives you plenty of whitewater action and the opportunity to improve your kayaking technique throughout the course.

Kit to bring

If you have your own equipment then please bring it along for the course. We teach the modern way of kayaking and so if you are in an extremely old, long boat with no edge then we have modern designes kayaks, paddles and equipment that is included in the price of the course. A sturdy pair of river boots are mandatory (no sandals) plus any of your own personal kayaking apparel.

Accomodation & Food

You are spoilt for choice here in the Arlberg. The region offers camping, bed and breakfast, holiday flats and of course hotels. If you would like help searching for your ideal place to stay just drop us a message. Our partners offer great prices if your are coming here to kayak.

Throughout the season you have plenty of options when it comes to restaurants. Be it a Tyroler Groestl, Wiener Schnitzel, steak, Thai food or vegetarian, there is something filling and tasty in our local restaurants.

Transport

If you are staying in the local Stanzer valley we will come and pick you up in the morning and drop you off after kayaking. The river shuttle is undertaken with one of our cool little monkey motorbikes. If you need any answers about vehicles or getting here then just drop us a message.

Dates & Prices

Course dates

We have courses planned on the following dates:

10 - 13 May 2018 (4 days)

16 - 17 May 2018 (2 days)

09 - 10 June 2018 (2 days)

No date to suite your plans? Just let us know through the contact form. We are pretty flexible here at the Kayak School giving you the best opportunity to see the region from a different perspective!